You get what you pay for - and that's why developers give so much

Dear VoteWater supporter:

I once had a former county commissioner say to me: “They can say ‘no,' you know.”

That is, he was pointing out that county commissioners throughout Florida are constantly being asked by developers to change zonings or amend comprehensive plans, to leapfrog the urban service boundary and bend over backward to accommodate ever-more growth. And elected officials almost always say “yes."

But they COULD say “no.” And they might — if the system wasn’t so awash in “dirty money” from development interests.

This week we break down how a tidal wave of development-related campaign cash has surged in Martin County, and how that virtually guarantees the county's go-go growth will continue. And don't kid yourself -— the exact same dynamic is playing out in virtually all South Florida communities.

So this election season, know who's bankrolling your local candidates — and vote accordingly.

Gil Smart

Executive Director, VoteWater

ICYMI: VoteWater endorses Levine Cava, Lerner in Miami-Dade

VoteWater has issued its first endorsements of the 2024 election cycle, backing Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava and Cindy Lerner, candidate for the District 7 seat on the Miami-Dade County Board of County Commissioners.

Both candidates are water warriors who have fought reckless development proposals — something we need far, far more of in South Florida and across the state. Check out our full case for support on VoteWater.org.

These are the things we're fighting for

Clean water is the lynchpin of our South Florida economy and our South Florida way of life. Protect it — and demand our politicians do the same.

P.S.: Have you completed and signed this year's petition for the proposed Florida Right to Clean Water Constitutional Amendment yet? Why the heck not? Stop by the VoteWater office at 3727 SE Ocean Blvd., Suite 200A in Stuart to pick up a petition — or head over to the Right to Clean Water website to print one at home.